18 Places to Stay When You Tour South Scotland

As the saying goes, ‘it’s not the destination, it’s the journey’ – but when it comes to touring South Scotland, it’s also very much about the accommodation! As well as incredible forests, bracing coastlines and great attractions, the south offers some superb places to stay. Perfect for a road trip or touring adventure, there are options for all travellers, whether you are getting around with a car, motorbike, motorhome or campervan.

Coldingham Bay Leisure Park, Coldingham, Scottish Borders
You’ll be a stone’s throw from gorgeous sandy shores and a surfing hotspot at this leisure park, which has motorhome and caravan touring pitches as well as holiday homes for hire.

Paxton House Caravan Park, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, Scottish Borders
One of the Scottish Borders beautiful big houses, Paxton House’s grounds are also home to a delightful caravan park, which offers plenty of perks for those staying there.

Ruberslaw Wild Woods Camping, near Hawick, Scottish Borders
For those who love being immersed in nature, Ruberslaw is the perfect spot to peg your tent down in either the walled garden or amongst the trees in a woodland pitch.

Seaward Holiday Park, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway
With coastal views over pretty Kirkcudbright and Ross Island, a heated outdoor pool and plenty to amuse small campers, Seaward Holiday Park is a must for a glamping, touring or camping break.

Balloch O’ Dee, Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway
Farm camping doesn’t get much more delightful than this, with over 4 acres of space for tents and friendly wandering ponies. In the evening, you can sit around the campfire and cook a meal or watch the twinkling stars above.

Charming country house hotels

South Scotland has no shortage of beautiful historic buildings, and luckily there are quite a few you can stay in and experience some of life’s finer things.

Cringletie House, Scottish Borders

Blackaddie House Hotel, Dumfries & Galloway

Windlestraw, Scottish Borders

Churchill bedroom at Knockinaam Lodge, Dumfries & Galloway

Cringletie House, Peebles, Scottish Borders
Individually designed rooms and relaxed fine dining makes this country house hotel a superb choice, with adventure lying on its doorstep at nearby Glentress Forest, where you’ll find mountain biking and treetop adventures.

Barony Castle Hotel, Peebles, Scottish Borders
This handsome 16th century castle has a most unusual attraction – in the lovely grounds you’ll find the Great Polish Map of Scotland, the largest relief map of Scotland in the world.

Windlestraw, Walkerburn, Scottish Borders
The Edwardian manor of Windlestraw isn’t short of accolades, including a prestigious 5-star gold Quality Assurance rating. The rooms combine luxury and comfort, and in the dining room you can sample sumptuous classic dishes with a modern twist.

Blackaddie House Hotel, Sanquhar, Dumfries & Galloway
Foodies should not miss the chance to stay at Blackaddie House, situated on the banks of the River Nith. Chef and hotelier Ian’s passion for provenance is evident on every plate.

Gretna Hall, Gretna, Dumfries & Galloway
Originally a private manor house, Gretna Hall has quite an unusual history, with its tagline of ‘historic marriage house hotel’ setting it apart from the other hotels in the south. Inside, you’ll find it has a contemporary feel.

Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick, Dumfries & Galloway
Tucked away in its own private cove on the west coast, Knockinaam offers serenity and seclusion; a real escape from the daily norms. The menu is elegant and inventive, while the cellar is filled with an astounding range of great wines from around the world.

Welcoming guest houses, farm houses and B&Bs

Offering good-value and a warm welcome, the guest houses and B&Bs of South Scotland are perfect for travellers who enjoy the personal touch and a cosy setting.

Lornebank Homestay, Scottish Borders

Brookford B&B, Dumfries & Galloway

Knockniemoak, Dumfries & Galloway

Muirfad B&B, Dumfries & Galloway

Lornebank Homestay, Lauder, Scottish Borders
With tempting home baking on offer and an inviting fire in the drawing room, it’d be easy to spend all day at this well-appointed Georgian House – but then you’d miss the many delights of South Scotland!

Mill House, Yetholm, Scottish Borders
This 4-star gold Quality Assured B&B, set in a renovated grain mill and granary, is a great choice for walkers and cyclists visiting the region.

Drochil Castle Farmhouse, near Peebles, Scottish Borders
It’s easy to relax at Drochil Castle. Gaze out the window of this traditional farmhouse B&B and you’ll take in some of the 1,200 acres of grassland where cattle and sheep are farmed.

Brookford B&B, Dalry, Dumfries & Galloway
The stars can align when you stay at Brookford – as well as being awarded the title of being one of Scotland’s most hospitable B&Bs and having 4-star gold Quality Assured status, you can also book bespoke Dark Skies experiences with your accommodation.

Muirfad Farmhouse B&B, near Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway
One of the many draws of Muifad B&B is that you’ll be within walking distance of Kirroughtree Visitor Centre in the Galloway Forest Park, plus it also has plenty of mid-19th century farmhouse charm.

Knockniemoak B&B, Portpatrick, Dumfries & Galloway
Close to the sea, Knockiemoak is the perfect place to base yourself as you explore the south west coast. The B&B lies on the Southern Upland Way, a long distance path – complete a section and walk off that hearty cooked breakfast!